Best Public Infrastructure Grants in New Mexico

New Mexico tribal governments seeking funding for community infrastructure projects like water, wastewater, roads, or power lines can apply to this competitive Tribal Infrastructure Fund. Grants from State of New Mexico IAD help New Mexico public infrastructure projects in federally recognized Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes develop robust proposals reviewed by a Tribal Infrastructure Board.

Local public bodies and small, non-entitlement communities in New Mexico can seek funding for public infrastructure projects through the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration’s Community Development Block Grant program; awards up to US $500,000 support infrastructure needs like water, sanitation, waste management, and other capital projects listed in the Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan.

Local and state government entities in New Mexico seeking to acquire, develop, or expand outdoor recreation areas and related public infrastructure can apply for the Land & Water Conservation Fund, with awards up to US $500,000. Administered by the New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department, this matching reimbursement program supports parks, trails, wetlands, and resource protection projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets offering workforce preparation, youth development, or community accessibility programs in New Mexico can apply for funding from RBC Foundation USA. The foundation supports job-readiness skills, inclusive prosperity, and environmentally sustainable community spaces in U.S. communities where RBC Wealth Management has an active business presence.

New Mexico public infrastructure and transportation agencies, state and local governments, Tribal governments, counties, and port authorities can access funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program for major surface transportation projects. This US Department of Transportation grant supports multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects with significant local or regional impact, with awards up to US $25,000,000.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes in New Mexico can seek funding for public infrastructure projects focused on unsafe or aging bridges. Focused on bridge improvement, the Federal Highway Administration invites applications year-round for planning, design, engineering, construction, rehabilitation, seismic retrofits, and safety or anti-icing countermeasures for eligible Tribal Transportation Program bridges in poor condition.

Industrial and energy-sector organizations in New Mexico developing thermal or electric energy storage solutions for industrial facilities can access funding through the U.S. Department of Energy. The Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize offers up to US $700,000 across three competitive phases to design, prototype, and validate cost-effective storage technologies that improve efficiency and support public energy infrastructure.

Researchers and research institutions in the U.S. can apply for Arnold Ventures funding to conduct rigorous quasi-experimental evaluations of social programs and policies, including those affecting public infrastructure. Grants support causal research in areas such as higher education, workforce training, infrastructure, reproductive health, and public finance, helping inform policymakers and improve public systems in New Mexico and beyond.

Very small, financially distressed rural governments, nonprofits, and tribes in New Mexico can use this program to fund predevelopment planning for water and waste disposal infrastructure projects. Focused on rural public infrastructure, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible applicants to seek support for feasibility studies, preliminary design, engineering analysis, and technical assistance for future construction projects.

Researchers, public agencies, and policy organizations in New Mexico working on transportation infrastructure and policy can seek up to US $200,000 for research, data, and implementation projects. With a mission to improve U.S. infrastructure systems, Arnold Ventures provides support for studies on capital investment reform, project delivery costs, permitting, governance, and related transportation policy issues.

Public agencies and partners seeking to deploy advanced transportation technologies for safety, mobility, and congestion management in New Mexico and across the U.S. can apply for the ATTAIN Competitive Grant Program, offering up to US $12,000,000. DOT Federal Highway Administration supports projects that enhance public infrastructure, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure return on investment.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA: Capital Improvement Grants

Any request to support a project that seeks to improve a facility is considered a capital improvement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Range improvements
• Berm improvements
• Clubhouse/Classroom facility improvements
• Shelter structures/covered firing lines/pavilions
• Road improvements
• Commercial-grade trap machines (see section regarding trap machines, below)
• Any other permanent improvement to an organization’s property or facility

The Grant Program considers requests for certain trap machines to be a capital improvement to the facility. Specifically, requests for commercial grade trap machines that have a capacity of 300 clays and up.

The Impact Aid Discretionary Construction Grant Program (84.041C) offers $19M in funding to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to address urgent school facility needs. This initiative supports repairs, renovations, or replacements required to maintain safe educational environments. Grants cover projects that improve accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensure that facilities meet health standards. The program aims to enhance learning conditions by responding effectively to emergency situations.

About Boeing

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company

One of the largest employee-managed funds of its kind in the world, the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company has empowered employees to make a greater impact by pooling their tax-deductible donations for more than 60 years. Employee-led grantmaking committees at 20 Boeing sites provide combined employee donations to nonprofits in their communities through ECF grants.

Charitable or educational organizations can apply for grants from the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company.

Puget Sound Chapter

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of Boeing Puget Sound is a pooled fund consisting of recurring payroll contributions from generous Boeing employees. It funds local nonprofits that help thousands of families and individuals in the Puget Sound region where Boeing employees live and work.

ECF focus areas

ECF makes grants to 501(c)(3) Health & Human Service nonprofits such as food banks, job-training programs, shelters, transitional housing, mental health services, and low-income medical clinics. ECF seeks the direct client benefit of each grant to ensure that our employees’ contributions directly help those in need.

ECF funding criteria

ECF has two distinct grant categories – Supporting Grants and Capital Campaign Grants.

ECF of Boeing Company: Puget Sound Chapter Supporting Grants

Consideration is given to nonprofits/agencies that are performing well and are seeking to upgrade, replace or modify elements of their infrastructure.

• Supporting grants cannot exceed $50,000. The requested amount cannot be more than 10% of an agency’s gross annual revenue.
• Supporting grants will be considered only for agencies benefiting residents in the Puget Sound Region.
• Supporting grants help agencies continue to effectively provide services through enhanced direct client benefit by aiding them in procuring and/or paying for items such as:
  • Equipment (ex. office, kitchen, industrial, furniture, etc.)
  • Vehicles used to support clients and/or transport food and/or goods (cost of vehicle and accommodations, tax, and licensing only; operating expenses, such as insurance, fuel, etc. is not allowed)
  • Phone systems
  • Cell phones for direct client use
  • Remodels and/or renovations (must hold at least a 10-year lease or own the building)
  • Purchase or construction of new buildings
  • Computers or tablets for direct client benefit and/or use
  • Software for direct client benefit and/or use (ex. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device)
  • Information Technology expenses, without which procured tools would not work
  • External improvements for client safety (i.e. security system, exterior lighting, improved ADA accessibility, new or refinished pavement or concrete)
• Supporting grants which are accepted must be spent as approved within nine (9) months.

The Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program, initiated by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), aims to enhance rural electric systems through substantial funding of approximately $175 million. This initiative focuses on increasing emission-free nuclear power and improving transmission infrastructure efficiency, promoting long-term reliability and affordability. Eligible entities include electric cooperatives serving rural areas and their subsidiaries. The program aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thus fostering a sustainable energy future.

The BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Formula Grants Program aims to support states and local governments in enhancing their DNA analysis capabilities. By providing funding for existing crime laboratories, this initiative seeks to increase the processing capacity for DNA samples, thereby reducing the backlog in forensic DNA analysis and ensuring timely entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Applications are due by November 5, 2026.

The FY 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) FAA Contract Tower Competitive Grant Program offers up to $100 million for airport traffic control tower projects. This initiative aims to support airports in modernizing and repairing aging infrastructure, ensuring safety and efficiency in air traffic management. Eligible projects may involve construction, rehabilitation, or installation of essential air traffic control equipment, enhancing the operational capabilities of the nation's airports.

Nonprofits, government entities, tribal organizations, and other eligible entities working on traffic safety and public infrastructure in New Mexico can seek funding to implement innovative, evidence-based countermeasures that reduce road fatalities. Grants from the National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Coalition support Safe System approaches, life‑saving technologies, and projects with measurable, scalable results across the U.S.

Public infrastructure and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities in New Mexico can seek support for health, sustainability, education, and community development projects. SC Johnson Giving supports U.S.-based charities and public agencies, with emphasis on communities near its operations, including initiatives that improve public infrastructure, safety, and access to essential services.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized New Mexico cities can receive up to US $25,000 for temporary street safety pilot projects that address dangerous or divisive arterial roads. Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors program offers a yearlong cohort with training, support, and in-person convening to advance public infrastructure and reconnect neighborhoods.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Ittleson Foundation Environmental Program Grants support innovative projects that enhance environmental activism through education and grassroots efforts. In 2025, grants will focus on initiatives that strengthen environmental movements and engage new constituencies, particularly in environmental equity. The Foundation has provided resources since 1932 to improve public policy and community welfare, alternating its grantmaking focus annually between mental health and environmental initiatives.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The Fund for a Just Society Grant, offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association, supports nonprofit organizations that focus on social and economic justice through community organizing. This grant prioritizes innovative projects that seek systemic change and empower disenfranchised communities. Eligible organizations must operate with an annual budget under $500,000 and demonstrate a clear campaign for change. This funding aims to foster a more just society by addressing root causes and enhancing visibility for Unitarian Universalist principles.

The Emergent Fund Grant, established in 2016, supports BIPOC-led social justice movements through rapid response funding. It addresses urgent community needs by providing low-barrier grants to organizations facing crises such as family separation and systemic oppression. The fund prioritizes initiatives that foster Black liberation, multiracial solidarity, and empower communities to build transformative power. By investing in innovative strategies, the Emergent Fund aims to challenge oppressive structures and advance social justice, ensuring that impacted communities are at the forefront of their own advocacy.

The When Georgia Smiled Grant, established by the Robin McGraw Revelation and Dr. Phil Foundation, focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The foundation prioritizes programs that provide shelter, education, and mental health services to ensure safe and fulfilling lives for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports initiatives for children and disaster relief, fostering community resilience and family reunification efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the U.S. with a commitment to inclusivity.